Review

Purpose

The purpose of any review, whether it be on a novel, a play or a film is to demonstrate your own opinion and evaluation of a given text, usually to an audience that is unaware of the text. Consider movie reviews on television or in magazines. These reviews are designed to enable a responder to choose whether to see a film or not. It is very important that you remember that you are evaluating the text. While it may be necessary to discuss plot, this should be the smallest part of your review.

Tone

The audience for the review will determine the tone in which it should be composed. The intended audience of the review will be dependent on the discretion of your teacher. Make sure that you are clear about your intended audience. Consider how different a review in a literary magazine might be from a review in a children's magazine. Reviews can be formal but are often informal.

Features of a review

• The evaluation of the text must be clarified and explained.
  
  
• The use of first person ('I') is often used.
  
  
• Limited or brief summary of plot, merely to give context for discussion.
  
  
• Usually addresses and evaluates the standard features of the text type.

Hints for writing an effective review

• Make sure that you are clear on your intended audience is. From this you will be able to determine whether your tone should be formal or informal.
  
  
• Make sure that you address important aspects of text types. For a film you will need to address acting, soundtrack, lighting, costumes and so forth. For a novel you will need to address setting, characters and themes.
  
  
• When you make your evaluation, make sure that you can find evidence to support your opinion.
  
  
• Avoid, at all costs, giving the text a rating such as 'two thumbs up' or 'four stars'.
  
  
• Try to include strengths and weaknesses.
  
  
• It is important to comment on the effectiveness of techniques and styles of composers.

Structure

Introduction

• What is the text form?
• Who is the composer?
• What is the genre?
• What is your opinion?

Body/paragraphs

Brief plot outline

• Just to put the responder in context. For example:

Romeo and Juliet, directed by Baz Luhrmann is a film adaptation of Shakespeare's play. It is the story of two lovers from rival families who face the obstacles of fate, society and hatred in order to preserve their love.

Be careful not to give away the entire plot.

Other paragraphs

• Aspects of text (characters, setting, techniques)
• Strengths
• Weaknesses

Conclusion

• Restate your opinion
• Sum up your argument